Closing Date: 21st November, 2025
Description:
General Description:Under general direction, the Assistant Director of Law assists the Director of Law in performing the powers and duties pursuant to the Charter and laws of Ohio.
Essential Functions of the Position:
Litigation – Civil and Criminal
Manages civil and criminal litigation/cases for City (e.g. represents the City in criminal and civil matters; prepares cases for trial, including interviewing witnesses, victims, and law enforcement officers; drafts all pre-trial documents, including pleadings for sentencing, motion hearings and court trials; appears in court against the accused and presents evidence to judge or jury; examines and cross-examines witnesses to ascertain facts of the case and negotiates plea agreements when appropriate, assists in managing pending litigation with outside counsel; serves as contact person and legal advisor to law enforcement officers and conducts training as appropriate; reviews investigations within jurisdiction to determine if criminal charges are warranted and the nature of such charges etc.)
Appellate
Researches, drafts and files appellate briefs; prepares and presents oral argument before Appellate courts; etc.
General counsel:
Advises boards, commissions and City officials; researches legal issues and prepares oral and written opinions; prepares forms and releases, as needed; provides guidance to officials in grievance proceedings; serves on the following committees (e.g. Board of Control; Investment Board; Compensation Board)
Legislative
Researches and drafts legislation; serves as Department of Law designee upon request for the following committees (e.g. Board of Control; Investment Board; Compensation Board)
Administrative:
Knowledge of: *City and Department goals and objectives; Ohio Revised Code, general municipal law, City laws and ordinances; *City and Department policies and procedures; government structure and process; rules of evidence; case management techniques; local rules; civil/criminal procedure; legal terminology;
contract law'; public administration; collective bargaining process; court filing procedures; office practices and procedures; English grammar and spelling; records management; state and local building and zoning codes and ordinances; state and federal employment regulations and laws; document preparation, requirements and methods.
Skills in: typing; data entry; word processing; computer operation; computer programs and software; use of modern office equipment.
Ability to: deal with many variables and determine specific action; recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate action; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; exercise independent judgment and discretion; understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, or regulations to specific situations; compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; develop complex reports and position papers; prepare legal documents; prepare and deliver speeches and presentations; conduct effective interviews; communicate effectively; train or instruct others; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; cooperate with co-workers on group projects; handle sensitive inquiries from and contacts with officials and general public; develop and maintain effective working relationships; resolve complaints; travel to and gain access to work site; organize and prioritize case load; prepare accurate and concise reports and contracts; produce accurate notations of court proceeding s to file; take affidavits; maintain confidentiality of court records.
Qualifications:
Qualifications: Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree from an accredited law school, admitted to practice law in Ohio, and two (2) years recent documented work experience as a practicing attorney. LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Must be a member in good standing of the Bar of the State of Ohio. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio. Driver's license with acceptable driving record. Must receive certification for Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS).
Manages civil and criminal litigation/cases for City (e.g. represents the City in criminal and civil matters; prepares cases for trial, including interviewing witnesses, victims, and law enforcement officers; drafts all pre-trial documents, including pleadings for sentencing, motion hearings and court trials; appears in court against the accused and presents evidence to judge or jury; examines and cross-examines witnesses to ascertain facts of the case and negotiates plea agreements when appropriate, assists in managing pending litigation with outside counsel; serves as contact person and legal advisor to law enforcement officers and conducts training as appropriate; reviews investigations within jurisdiction to determine if criminal charges are warranted and the nature of such charges etc.)
Appellate
Researches, drafts and files appellate briefs; prepares and presents oral argument before Appellate courts; etc.
General counsel:
Advises boards, commissions and City officials; researches legal issues and prepares oral and written opinions; prepares forms and releases, as needed; provides guidance to officials in grievance proceedings; serves on the following committees (e.g. Board of Control; Investment Board; Compensation Board)
Legislative
Researches and drafts legislation; serves as Department of Law designee upon request for the following committees (e.g. Board of Control; Investment Board; Compensation Board)
Administrative:
- Performs administrative legal work (e.g. coordinates workers' compensation legal issues; drafts and negotiates contracts; prepares city easements and deeds; reviews and develops city policies; prepares and files tax exemptions; administers collection of income tax, fire department and water department upon referral from the respective authority; etc.)
- Attends meetings and serves on committees, as required; attends various meetings, seminars, and workshops.
- Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.
- Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance; may be required to work extra hours, evening hours, weekends and/or holidays as necessary; due to the nature of the job, when scheduled for on-call assignment, the employee must be available to return to work after normal work hours or on weekends and/or holidays when called to do so.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge of: *City and Department goals and objectives; Ohio Revised Code, general municipal law, City laws and ordinances; *City and Department policies and procedures; government structure and process; rules of evidence; case management techniques; local rules; civil/criminal procedure; legal terminology;
contract law'; public administration; collective bargaining process; court filing procedures; office practices and procedures; English grammar and spelling; records management; state and local building and zoning codes and ordinances; state and federal employment regulations and laws; document preparation, requirements and methods.
Skills in: typing; data entry; word processing; computer operation; computer programs and software; use of modern office equipment.
Ability to: deal with many variables and determine specific action; recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate action; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; exercise independent judgment and discretion; understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, or regulations to specific situations; compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; develop complex reports and position papers; prepare legal documents; prepare and deliver speeches and presentations; conduct effective interviews; communicate effectively; train or instruct others; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; cooperate with co-workers on group projects; handle sensitive inquiries from and contacts with officials and general public; develop and maintain effective working relationships; resolve complaints; travel to and gain access to work site; organize and prioritize case load; prepare accurate and concise reports and contracts; produce accurate notations of court proceeding s to file; take affidavits; maintain confidentiality of court records.
Qualifications:
Qualifications: Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree from an accredited law school, admitted to practice law in Ohio, and two (2) years recent documented work experience as a practicing attorney. LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Must be a member in good standing of the Bar of the State of Ohio. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio. Driver's license with acceptable driving record. Must receive certification for Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS).